If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)  from the Social Security Administration (SSA), there is a possibility your application could be denied. Should this happen, you’ll have the opportunity to file a claim, and appeal that denial. Once you’ve filed an appeal, you might receive a letter stating that you have an “appeal under review.” 

 

What does “appeal under review” mean? 

This means that the SSA is at a point in their decision process where they’re working to ensure that the deciappeal under reviewsion on your eligibility benefits is being made correctly. If you appeal an SSDI denial and receive an “appeal under review” letter, note that this is an acknowledgement of your appeal, not a final decision. 

 

appeal under review

Are a lot of claims denied? 

Of all the disability claims submitted to the SSA, only about 30 percent are approved at the initial stage of the application process. Those most likely to pass through are those with disabilities that fall directly under the list of compassionate allowances. Those who submit applications with disabilities outside of that list may have a harder time proving their eligibility. There are a variety of reasons why SSDI applications get denied, and it’s important to be as detailed and organized as possible. 

While the remaining 70 percent may still be valid claims, applicants still have the right to appeal the SSA’s initial determination to obtain the disability compensation they qualify for.

 

There are five stages of Social Security disability appeals:

  1. The initial determination
  2. Request for reconsideration
  3. A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
  4. Review by the Appeals Council
  5. Federal Court of Appeals

 

What is the best way to ensure my appeal goes in my favor? 

Having a disability lawyer by your side is the most efficient and sure fire way to get the outcome you’re looking for. There is often a stigma around lawyers, in that they’re very expensive and may not always have your best interest at heart. But what most people don’t know is, you don’t pay a disability lawyer unless they win your case! Having a Social Security disability representative when an “appeal under review” letter arrives can make a substantial difference in the timely progression of your SSDI claim. 

 

Disability Associates is here to help! We provide legal representation to disabled individuals who are seeking Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Our concentration is exclusively on Social Security Disability law. It’s all we do! We know that filing for Social Security benefits can be a long and frustrating process. We are dedicated to taking the weight off of our client’s shoulders by simplifying this process for them. Visit our “about us” page to learn more, and contact us today!